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There will be blood this Origin series

4 May 2018

This week in the lead up to State of Origin, Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH) was Queensland’s first arena as New South Wales and Queensland kicked-off the 'Out For Blood' Australian Red Cross Blood Service competition.

The new campaign was launched by Darius Boyd and Petero Civoniceva at the mobile blood unit that visits PAH every three months.

“We’re calling on all Queenslanders to roll up their sleeves to save lives and help us beat NSW on and off the field,” said Mr Boyd.

Blood donations will be measured from both states ahead of and during this year's State of Origin Series, and PAH staff and visitors helped Queensland off to a flying start with more than 100 donations made at the hospital.

But more is always needed. Each year PAH used roughly 9,000 donations to treat and save thousands of lives.

NRL Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Abdo said he hoped the campaign would provide healthcare workers with the vital resource they need to save lives.

"We know how powerful State of Origin is so it is great to be able to use the contest for such an important cause," he said.

"One in three people will need blood over the course of their life, but currently only one in thirty people gives blood.”

Blood service spokesperson Belinda Smetioukh said the 'Out For Blood' campaign was an important and life-saving initiative.

"By donating blood, fans can show loyalty for their team and also save lives," Ms Smetioukh said.

“Supporters who donate will also receive special Blues and Maroons branded bandaging and merchandise when they donate.”

Donations will be displayed via an online tracker at nrl.com/donateblood where supporters can also pledge to give blood.

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